Book Review -- This Side of the Grave

Title: This Side of the GraveAuthor: Jeaniene FrostGenre: Urban fantasyPages: Paperback, 357Published: 2011Opening Lines: "The vampire pulled on the chains restraining him to the cave wall."

"Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

"With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally" -- the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price for her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined."

~ Jacket copy

Thoughts (contains SPOILERS): As with the previous books in the series, I really enjoyed it.

My biggest problems with the book surrounds Cat drinking Marie's blood. I liked that the author thought about whether Cat would also gain abilities from a ghoul after drinking their blood; however, I felt that the 2 day shagfest after consuming Marie's blood was really, really over the top. I can understand being taken over by the hunger of the Remnants and the ghosts, but this overpowering lust seemed too forced. Also, it felt too much like slutty-Laurel-K-Hamilton filler.

In addition, I continually kept wondering what I missed in the previous book. Frost kept dropping all these tidbits about Denise and Mencheres' new lover/wife as though the reader should already know the back stories. After digging into it, I figured out that all of this lead up she alludes to is contained in the spin-off novels, which happen between the Night Huntress #4 and this book. However, since the spin-off series is not considered part of the Night Huntress series, I was unaware of the fact that I would need to read these in order with the other novels. Frost really needs to rethink this.

I also felt like it was a little rushed when she finally confronted Apollyon. It took awhile to get to the confrontation. It was also extremely short. The way she wrote it, it makes complete sense, but I felt it needed to be a bit longer. Sometimes it feels as though things come way too easily for Cat. I hate to say it, but I would like to see her get beaten down a couple of times before she is finally able to overcome the bad.

Aside from these issues, the story was good. I don't have too much to say. I tear through these books like there is no tomorrow and enjoy every minute of it!

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I am a recovering English major, closet bibliophile, breve addicted, zombie lover with a rockabilly and heavy metal fetish.